Helminthiases are a group of parasitic diseases that progress as a result of the penetration of different types of parasitic worms into the body. These diseases are not limited in terms of gender and age. It is worth noting that helminthiasis is most often diagnosed in children. This is due to the fact that children are less hygienic, eat unwashed food and often play in the fresh air (sand pit, garden, etc. ).
Helminths are a group of representatives of low worms that are able to penetrate the human body and develop freely in it, thus provoking the progression of parasitic diseases. All representatives of this group can be conditionally divided into 3 groups:
- round worms; tape
- ;
- error.
Depending on the mode of transmission, all human helminths are divided into:
- biohelminthiaza.In this case, the parasite is transmitted from animals;
- adhesive.Infection occurs from a sick person;
- geohelminthiaza.This type of helminthiasis is transmitted through the soil. This is due to the fact that a certain part of the life cycle of parasites occurs precisely on earth.
Larval and developing forms of parasites are the most dangerous for the human body, as they can move freely through the body, infecting vital organs. Adults can not move so freely and therefore have a more stable position.
Most species of helminths "prefer" to parasitize the gastrointestinal tract. It is worth noting that different species are located in different parts of the digestive tract: peg worms - in the lower part of the small intestine, roundworms - in the upper part of it, etc. Also, based on location, helminths are divided into tissue and luminal.
It should be noted that parasites can infect not only the digestive tract, but also the lungs, bile ducts and gallbladder itself. During their lifetime, they release various toxic substances that poison the human body. Importantly, if you suspect the presence of parasites in the body, immediately consult a doctor and start treating the disease in order to avoid the development of dangerous complications.
Signs
Characteristic signs of helminthiasis appear primarily from peripheral blood. If you perform a clinical test, you may find a significant increase in the number of eosinophils (especially in the acute phase of the disease). It should be noted that eosinophilia is often combined with severe leukocytosis.
Other signs of helminths include:
- itching in the anus;
- unstable bowel movements are possible - alternation of constipation and diarrhea;
- teeth grinding in sleep;
- morning sickness. Most often it occurs in a person while brushing teeth;
- weight loss while diet has not changed;
- hyperthermia, accompanied by joint and muscle pain;
- sitting in the morning;
- a person is constantly hungry;
- appearance of elements of a rash on the skin (sometimes on the eyelids);
- The skin on the fingers can be removed.
Symptoms
The helminthiasis clinic is divided into acute and chronic stages. The first symptoms of helminthiasis appear one month after the parasite enters the body. The acute phase of the pathological process begins. A person experiences the following symptoms:
- diarrhea; hyperthermia;
- upper airways become inflamed;
- rash elements appear on the skin;
- conjunctivitis;
- face swells. This symptom is particularly pronounced in children;
- young children sometimes have tonsillitis and lymphadenitis.
The pathological process can be complicated:
- hepatitis;
- bronchospasm;
- appearance of infiltrates in the lungs;
- pneumonia;
- meningoencephalitis;
- myocarditis.
The above symptoms do not appear all at once with any particular type of helminthiasis. Usually in the disease clinic, only two or three symptoms dominate. Such a clinical picture in a patient is observed for 7 days, after which the disease becomes chronic. Signs of pathology vary depending on the type of pathogen that parasitizes the human body:
- echinococcosis. The allergic reaction is evident. Allergy symptoms are at their peak. In more severe clinical situations, anaphylactic shock may also develop;
- filariasis and fortiloidosis. The rash on the skin worsens and the face is swollen.
The occurrence of helminthiasis also depends largely on the location of the parasites. Most species parasitize the gastrointestinal tract, leading to indigestion, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and intoxication syndrome.
Experts refer to the most severe helminthiasis:
- echinococcosis;
- paragonimiaza;
- cysticercosis.
The helminthiasis shown affects almost all vital organs and systems, therefore, even with timely treatment, the prognosis is often unfavorable.
Diagnosis
Due to the fact that there is a fairly large number of helminthiases, diagnosis involves many research methods. The most informative and frequently used are the following:
- stool analysis. In it, doctors have the opportunity to detect helminth eggs as well as undigested food debris, which indicates a disruption in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- blood in microfilariae;
- to detect roundworms and worm worms in the human body, direct macroscopic examination;
- microscopic examination;
- gallbladder research;
- koproovoskopi. Diagnosing helminthiasis using this method allows you to determine the intensity of helminthic invasion;
- examination of duodenum contents;
- if doctors suspect a person is progressing to trinosis, muscle tissue biopsy is prescribed; ultrasound
- ;
- x-ray;
- fibrogastroduodenoscopy;
- blood test for the presence of specific antibodies to certain helminthiases.
Treatment
The main purpose of treating the disease is to expel parasites from the patient's body, as well as to restore the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The treatment plan is prescribed only by a qualified specialist after a thorough diagnosis, evaluation of test results. Treatment can be performed both in a hospital setting and at home.
The basis of treating helminthiasis is the use of specific anthelmintic drugs.
They should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor and in the dose he prescribes. In the acute phase of the disease, a single dose of the drug is sufficient to get rid of the helminths. But more often the treatment is carried out according to a certain scheme.
During treatment, it is important to adhere to these principles:
- strict adherence to the rules of personal hygiene;
- diet therapy;
- all consumed products must be processed;
- at the site where the patient is being treated, it is necessary to disinfect regularly.
Treatment of helminthiasis in children is performed only in stationary conditions, so that the doctor constantly monitors the patient's condition and, if necessary, adjusts therapy. It is worth noting that the disease in children is more severe, so the course of treatment can be long.
Prevention
Prevention of helminthiasis in children and adults should be performed throughout life. Since helminths live on the ground, and can also be transmitted by contact, you should observe hygiene as much as possible - wash your hands, use personal hygiene items, etc. It is also important to fully process fruits and vegetables before eating.
For prophylactic purposes, it is important to identify people infected with helminths in a timely manner. To this end, surveys of certain categories of adults (especially workers in the food sector, medical sector, etc. ) are regularly conducted.